During her senior year at Greeneville High School, Kelsey Hammer served as chief editor of the school yearbook, a responsibility that she says kept her very busy.

“I loved it and I enjoyed being involved in school activities, but as I looked toward college, I thought it would be best if I at least started out without any other extracurricular activities beyond school and work,” she said.

One of the reasons Kelsey chose East Tennessee State University was because it was affordable, especially considering the scholarship opportunities that came with the opportunity. She received an Academic Performance Scholarship, the Challenge 2000 Scholarship and the Tennessee Hope Scholarship.

Living in nearby Greeneville also made commuting an option.

But as she settled into her freshman year at ETSU, chances to get involved on campus began to present themselves, and by the end of her sophomore year she was a peer adviser in the College of Business and Technology and a member of the President’s Pride organization.

“I’ve found that being involved on campus helps to provide a sense of balance,” she said. “I have also enjoyed having the opportunity to make new friends.”

Something else that emerged since she came to ETSU was an interest in accounting.

“I enjoy the organization and detail orientation that accounting requires,” she said. “There are good job opportunities in accounting, and this degree will help me down the road, as well.

“It is great that we have such a strong business school at ETSU where I can continue my education, and that the programs are accredited,” she added. “So I definitely plan to get my master’s degree.”

And then maybe law school, Kelsey says.

In addition to her work study assignment at ETSU, she also works at Jonesborough General Store.